The 2023 L’If is unusually floral and refined for a wine that has, in the past, been darker and more ample in structure. Cedar, tobacco, crushed flowers and mint add lift and aromatic presence. Silky tannins create an impression of finesse. The 2023 represents the first year of vinification in the new cellar outfitted with cement vats. Overall, though, this wine feels like a new chapter for L'If. The vibrancy and energy here are palpable. Tasted two times. 04/2024

The 2023 L'If was picked from September 18 to 27 for the Merlot. The Cabernet Franc was picked on October 2. The wine aged for 12 to 16 months in 50% new oak, the first time in the new cellar in concrete vats instead of stainless steel. It has quite an exuberant bouquet with ripe red cherry and wild strawberry fruit, a hint of blood orange and iris flower. It is very focused and beautifully defined, the limestone terroir percolating through. The palate is medium-bodied with the Cabernet Franc shaping the entry—a little peppery in style. The tannins are quite strict at the moment (which came as some surprise to the Thienponts), framing the dark berry and graphite-tinged fruit. Linear toward the finish, reflecting the slightly cooler growing season, this is a very fine, cerebral L'If. 04/2024

The 2023 L'If, crafted by Cyrille Thiepont and originating from vines owned by Jacques Thienpont, unveils a dark bouquet of licorice, dark wild berries, pencil lead, coniferous forest, spices and oak. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and unctuous, it’s rich and concentrated with a fleshy core of fruit framed by powdery tannins, culminating in a long, mineral, chalky finish. This is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. 04/2024

Coming from vines near Troplong Mondot and based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 L'If will spend 12-16 months in 50% new French oak, and it's the first vintage made in the new cellar. Ripe black cherry and juicy blackberry fruit as well as ample floral and chalky minerality all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a lively, incredibly elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's another terrific wine from the talented Cyril Thienpont. The 2023 hit 14.1% alcohol with a pH of 3.37. 05/2024

Couleur noire, aux reflets vifs. Nez intense, pur, fruité, mûr et subtil. Nuances fraîches d'encre, de fleurs et de fruits noirs à l'agitation du verre. Délicat en entrée de bouche, savoureux au milieu, le vin caresse le palais sur un profil très allongé. Il s'achève séveux, sur une belle finale aromatique fraîche. A cet instant, il m'a manqué un peu de corps, mais c'est très bon. Assemblage : 80 % merlot, 20 % de jeunes cabernets francs. Degré d'alcool : 14°1 - pH : 3,37. Rendement : 40 hl/ha. Production : 15 000 bouteilles. 04/2024

What strikes you about this wine is the center-palate and the purity of cool fruit notes, such as brambleberry and orange peel. Medium body. Whole and layered with ultra-fine tannins leading to a silky texture and persistent finish. 04/2024